A Simple Note From A Trans Teen To His Neighbor Proves The Smallest Show Of Support Matters

"I appreciate your existence and pride."

For anyone in a marginalized community, support matters. It's not always possible to get that support from home, so sometimes even the smallest show of solidarity from a stranger can mean the world. For a 15-year old boy who is transgender, that unexpected act of kindness came from a neighbor. Using the Reddit handle HappyNazgul, the neighbor posted a note the boy left, thanking them for their support of the LGBTQ community.

"Neighbor — Thank you for having a trans flag waving in your yard. I am a 15-year-old trans boy living in an unsupportive household, but every time I see your flag, I feel better. I appreciate your existence and pride. THANK YOU. P.S. My handwriting is so bad! I'm sorry."

Many fellow Reddit users were moved by the note and some were offering to send the Reddit user more flags to hang up.

HappyNazgul added in the comments. "I'm already planning on buying a few more [flags] to hang up."

This is especially important given that a 2015 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) showed that those who are LGBTQ face an increased risk of violence at school. Thirty-four percent were bullied on school property and 18 percent of LGBT students had experienced physical dating violence. The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey showed that 8 percent of respondents were kicked out of their houses for being transgender, 1 in 10 attacks of violence on trans people involved an immediate family member and 54 percent were harassed at school.

It's clear we have a ways to go in terms of ensuring the safety for LGBTQ people, which is why such simple acts of kindness and support go a long way.

Teen Voguereports that after HappyNazgul's note was shared on Twitter by CATS, a transgender support group, it has gone viral.

We keep a pride flag in our window. Last Halloween, we overheard some older trick-or-treaters saying to each other, “looks like this is a safe house, you know, in case we need it.” Yes, kids, we’ve got your back.